MISSOURI VALLEY, Iowa (AP) — A former Iowa fire chief has been accused of lying to investigators about a fire that could be arson. Court documents show 44-year-old Johnnie Walker, the Missouri Valley fire chief, is charged with interference with official acts and reporting false information. Mayor Clint Sargent says Walker resigned from his post after he was arrested earlier this week.

The charges stem from a March 7 fire at a vacant house. The Iowa State Fire Marshal Division says Walker provided false information to police who later investigated the fire, an exchange that court records show occurred on March 12.

Authorities say the fire is likely tied to others nearby. All are being investigated as arson.